Eric Hamilton Answers Questions About His Revolutionary TinyStic Product

An Q&A with Eric Hamilton, owner and founder of the Revolutionary TinyStic.

By Kamau Austin with Eric Hamilton

Question: What is the name of your business & and explain what do you do?

Answer: TinyStic (pronounced "Tiny Stick") is a portable HDMI device that uses wireless Miracast and Airplay technology to turn your smart device into a computer/entertainment center. Basically, it allows you to display your smartphone/tablet to your TV for watching movies, playing gaming or for productivity such as using managing spreadsheets. Smartphones are great for checking email and running social media apps. But what about computing tasks that require a larger screen, keyboard and mouse?

Today’s smartphones are 10X more powerful than the computers that we used to surf the web in 1999. Imagine you are in your office working on spreadsheets and other tasks on your laptop computer. At the end of the day, you would carry this heavy and expensive laptop home and continue working at home. The TinyStic leverages the power that is already available on your smartphone and virtually eliminates the need for multiple computers. It's very different from Chromecast or Amazon Fire Stick as you cannot play games and manage a spreadsheet on those devices.

Question: can you tell us a bit about your background, like where you grew up and went to school?

Eric Hamilton's Answer: I was born and raised in Detroit, MI. My parents were/are successful Amway distributors and during the 1980s had one of the largest predominantly African American Amway organizations in the world. Technology has been a lifelong passion since Christmas of 1982 (age 13) when I received my first computer, a Commodore 64.

Before 1982, for fun I had hobbies like reading children's novels and playing chess. After 1982, my main hobby was programming my Commodore 64 computer.


Question: Can you tell us about how you became so intrigued with technology?

Eric Hamilton’s Answer: My fascination with computers came from wanting to know how

video games were created. At age 13 I wanted to have a career as game developer.

After receiving a BS in Computer Science from Michigan State University and working for companies like Netscape and Yahoo!, in 2009 I founded The Web Academy which is non profit organization that teaches web design and web analytics for free. Since it's inception, The Web Academy has had over 4000 enrollments.

In addition, I lecture twice per year on web analytics at Columbia University's MS Marketing program. In 2013, I received the Excellence in Technology award from NANBPWC at the United Nations for my charitable work in technology.

Question: Who were some of your role models or people that inspired or influenced you to go into technology businesses?

Eric Hamilton's Answer: Mark Cuban is a technology billionaire, owner of the Dallas Mavericks and stars on the ABC TV Series "Shark Tank". I like his aggressive style and passion about technology.

Question: What are some of the best ways someone interested in a technological career can pursue one?

Answer: Keep reading and stayed informed. I spend about 3-5 hours per day reading about technology trends and keeping my tech skills tight. I recently enrolled in a FREE online course at Stanford University on SQL (Structured Query Language) as a refresher as my last SQL was in college in the early 1990s. SQL databases are the backbone of many websites and mobile apps. My email inbox is filled with Google Alerts on all sorts of topics like "Miracast Technology" and "Internet of Things".

Question: What inspired you decide to create your Tinystic product?

Answer: In 2013, I wanted to buy a device that converted my smartphone into an entertainment center and I couldn't find one. A friend suggested that I build it myself. After about 6 months of searching, I found a manufacturer who could help and the rest is history.

Question: What makes your Tinystic product so unique and and cutting edge?

Eric Hamilton's Answer: It's the only device on the market that easily converts your smartphone into an entertainment center and it works for the Apple and Android devices.

Question: How did you (or how are you) working to overcome the challenges in your technology business?

Eric Hamilton's Answer: Every challenge is different and requires unique skills to overcome. One has to educate themselves by on calling friends, Google searches and posting to social media. I had a situation where my TinyStic devices were being held in U.S. customs on various regulatory issues. I asked my friends on social media for advice and a college friend who does large scale import/export operations for a major retailer gave me advice that worked.

Question: What are some of your best suggestions for a person who is looking to develop and finance a technology project like your own?

Eric Hamilton's Answer:

1) Don't spend money. Find creative ways to get what you need.

2) Not having money is good. People who have a lot of money waste a lot of money

3) Crowdfunding works well when you replicate what works and don't reinvent the wheel. I've seen countless crowdfunding operations fail.

Question: Can you tell us some of the ways you were able to achieve running a successful crowd funding campaign for Tinystic?

Eric Hamilton's Answer: There are so many thing to consider for running a successful crowdfunding campaign. The most important thing to start marketing and collecting emails 6 months before you launch.

Question: Can you tell us some of the most effective ways to use TinyStic for home or business?

Eric Hamilton's Answer: The TinyStic plugs into the HDMI port of your TV. Your smartphone must be Miracast Wifi-Connect certified. Most modern smartphones are certified.

Next, simply load our software on your smartphone. Your smartphone is then converted into a “Windows-like” PC desktop with all of your apps available. Connect a wireless bluetooth keyboard and mouse and you have a complete PC experience right from your smartphone. The TinyStic works with tablets also.

Question: What are some of the most recent business developments for you and your company?

Eric Hamilton's Answer: We are currently in talks with HSN (Home Shopping Network) and a Sprint Dealer Network on a distribution deal for TinyStic. I am working on 2 new developments.

The 1st is a game controller for mobile devices. The 2nd is a children's wrist watch with a GPS tracker. The watch will allow parents of small children age 1-5, to track their children's movement via a mobile app at all times.

Question: What are the best ways to reach you for more information and to obtain your products?

Answer: eric@tinystic.com

Eric Hamilton Demos the TinyStic

About Kamau Austin

Minority Business Financing is Published by Kamau Austin. Austin is a published author in the field of business financing. 

Also Kamau is a popular Blogger, Writer, and Internet Marketing Professional helping small businesses grow more profitable businesses online. If you need web design, blogging, search engine or social media promotion contact him at Search Engine Plan

Kamau's Qu!ps reaches over 30,000 web users a month through it's Blog and Social Media Promotions. For Advertising Opportunities visit our Advertising Page

7 Grant Sources for Black and Minority Women in Business

Here are seven grants minority and black women business owners should consider:

InnovateHER


The InnovateHER Innovating for Women Business Challenge is sponsored by the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Women’s Business Ownership. Three winners are awarded $30,000 in prize money for businesses with products and services that have an impact on the lives of women and their families.

Intuit “Love A Local Business” Competition

Intuit host a competition that gives away $25,000 small business grants to businesses based on votes. The average award is $5,000, but there are larger grand prizes depending on each year’s focus. The program has given away over $1 million since inception. Check the site frequently to see when is the next round.

FedEx Opportunity Knocks — Small Business Grant

Share your small-business story and enter for a chance to win the top prize—$25,000. There’s also one $15,000 winner and eight $7,500 winners. Part of the judging involves the general public voting for the finalists, so participants may promote their businesses while garnering votes.

Miller Lite Tap the Future

This business plan competition is a great way for new entrepreneurs with innovative ideas to win capital for their companies in the form of prizes ranging from $5,000 to as much as $200,000 or more. This competition is aimed especially at minority entrepreneurs and is sponsored by MillerCoors.

Minority Business Development Agency

The MBDA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce that assists minorities and women in establishing and growing their businesses. On its site, you can research grants and access links to state agencies that work with women-owned businesses for funding opportunities.

National Association for the Self-Employed Growth Grants

This program allows business owners to apply for financing a particular small business need. Worth up to $4,000 each, past recipients used their growth grants to purchase computers, hire part-time help, and create marketing materials.

The Amber Grant Foundation

Awards $500 to a different women-owned business every month. SOURCE: BLACK ENTERPRISE

About the Publisher of Minority Business Financing

Minority Business Financing is Published by Kamau Austin. Austin is a published author in the field of business financing. 

Also Kamau is a popular Blogger, Writer, and Internet Marketing Professional helping small businesses grow more profitable businesses online. If you need web design, blogging, search engine or social media promotion contact him at Search Engine Plan

Kamau's Qu!ps reaches over 30,000 web users a month through it's Blog and Social Media Promotions. For Advertising Opportunities visit our Advertising Page

Using Bank of America for Buying Foreclosures

Tips For Using Bank of America Real Estate Buying Bank Owned Foreclosure List

Submitted by: Simon Volkov

The Bank of America real estate buying bank owned foreclosure list can be a dream come true for buyer's scouting out discounted properties. Many buyers are interested in buying foreclosure homes because they are sold below market value. The BOA foreclosure list provides access to thousands of nationwide properties to help buyers locate the perfect piece of real estate.

Bank of America real estate buying bank owned foreclosure list offers a wide variety of discounted properties. Buyers can browse listings to locate residential properties, commercial real estate, and vacant land; many of which are price well below current market value.

BOA foreclosure real estate consists of single and multi-family homes, condominiums and townhomes, and manufactured and mobile homes. Commercial properties include apartment and condominium buildings, bed and breakfast facilities, office buildings, retail outlets, hotels and motels, land tracks, and industrial real estate.

Buyers are frequently concerned that foreclosure properties will require time-consuming repairs which can add thousands to the purchase price. With careful research and property inspections, buying bank owned foreclosure homes is a relatively risk-free venture that can provide home buyers and real estate investors with great properties at affordable prices.

Individuals can begin exploring discounted bank owned homes for sale via the Bank of America Real Estate Center website at RealEstateCenter.BankofAmerica.com. Visitors will find a variety of real estate buying information and resources and have the option of submitting online loan applications to obtain preapproved financing; all from the comfort of home.

The BOA real estate center allows buyers to compare home mortgage loans including: combination home mortgages, jumbo loans, interest-only, and FHA and VA loans. BOA also provides information about first time house buyer programs, Fannie Mae Home Path mortgages, and Neighborhood Champions Protected Mortgage; a program which offers special financing options to individuals employed in public service fields.

The Bank of America real estate center helps visitors locate various types of property quickly and easily. Individuals can enter different search parameters such as number of bedrooms and baths, property location, and price range. BOA bank owned foreclosure real estate prices range from below $10,000 to over $10 million.

The majority of foreclosure properties sold through Bank of America are listed through independent real estate agents. However, some properties are sold directly through BOA's loss mitigation division. Each property listing includes listing agent contact information.

Bank owned foreclosure properties are priced below market value and there is little room for price negotiation. Oftentimes, the only way to obtain reduced pricing is to provide a cash offer. When investors or home buyers purchase real estate with cash they eliminate the possibility of being denied financing and can expedite the closing process.

Bank owned real estate can be profitable for investors. In today's real estate market it has become common practice for investors to utilize bank foreclosure lists to locate discounted properties and maximize their return on investment.

When investors and home buyers purchase bank owned homes in areas hit hard by foreclosure they should consider applying for HUDs Neighborhood Stabilization Program grants. Individual buyers can apply for one grant, while investors can apply for up to five NSP grants. NSP grant money can be used to satisfy down payment requirements or to rehab the property. Program details are available at HudNSPHelp.info.

Buying real estate through the Bank of America bank owned foreclosure list gives borrowers the opportunity to purchase homes at discounted prices and can open the door to obtain grant money or special financing options. Those who take time to research available options for buying bank owned real estate can save money and earn a good return on investment.

About the Author: Learn how to buy bank owned foreclosure properties at a fraction of the cost from Simon Volkov, a successful California real estate investor. Simon shares insights for getting the most out of the Bank of America real estate buying bank owned foreclosure list, along with other investing strategies at www.SimonVolkov.com.

Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=565861&ca=Real+Estate

About the Publisher of Minority Business Financing

Minority Business Financing is Published by Kamau Austin. Austin is a published author in the field of business financing. 

Also Kamau is a popular Blogger, Writer, and Internet Marketing Professional helping small businesses grow more profitable businesses online. If you need web design, blogging, search engine or social media promotion contact him at Search Engine Plan

Kamau's Qu!ps reaches over 30,000 web users a month through it's Blog and Social Media Promotions. For Advertising Opportunities visit our Advertising Page

Rosalind Brewer, CEO of Sam's Club, Giving Away $8.8 Million to Women and Minority Business Owners

You gotta love what she is doing help to finance our businesses. Way to go Ms. Brewer. Way to go!

Women, minorities and veterans who own their own businesses are considered part of America's underserved. This is exactly the target group Sam's Club has pledged to help with their Sam's Club Giving Awards program.  To read more click here

About the Publisher of Minority Business Financing

Minority Business Financing is Published by Kamau Austin. Austin is a published author in the field of business financing. 

Also Kamau is a popular Blogger, Writer, and Internet Marketing Professional helping small businesses grow more profitable businesses online. If you need web design, blogging, search engine or social media promotion contact him at Search Engine Plan

Kamau's Qu!ps reaches over 30,000 web users a month through it's Blog and Social Media Promotions. For Advertising Opportunities visit our Advertising Page

Business Grants for Women

Ladies in business this grant website might help you to get your business idea jumpstarted. Check it out.

Women Owned Businesses With Experience Just 

Need The Cash -- WomenVenture Can Help

So many businesses owned by women were started by women who have a great deal of experience and a proven capacity to succeed. All they need is the money! Yet traditional lenders often ignore them. WomenVenture will not. In fact, women with experience are just the kind of clients that WomenVenture is looking for.   For more info click here

About the Publisher of Minority Business Financing

Minority Business Financing is Published by Kamau Austin. Austin is a published author in the field of business financing. 

Also Kamau is a popular Blogger, Writer, and Internet Marketing Professional helping small businesses grow more profitable businesses online. If you need web design, blogging, search engine or social media promotion contact him at Search Engine Plan

Kamau's Qu!ps reaches over 30,000 web users a month through it's Blog and Social Media Promotions. For Advertising Opportunities visit our Advertising Page

Growing Your Business and Your Bottom Line Through Minority Certification

Are you leaving money on the table? If you are a business owner who is a woman or a member of a minority and you have not become certified as a Minority or Women-Owned Business Enterprise (known as M/WBE), you may be missing out on opportunities.

Reasons to Become Certified

Why do you need certification? Well, maybe you don't. Certification lets others know that your company is what you say it is-a minority and/or women-owned business. Chances are your average customer is not going to ask you for certification. Certification is required, however, when you want to do business with companies or government agencies that have supplier diversity programs and want to ensure a level playing field for women, minority, or disabled-veteran owned businesses. While you may not have considered this as an avenue for your business, you will want to be ready to seize an opportunity, should one arise.

M/WBE Certification will also give you the ability to expose your business to potential customers that you may not have considered nor had access to before. Many of the qualifying agencies create meet-and-greet opportunities, directories and notify you of upcoming opportunities. This alone makes the sacrifice of time and minimal fees, when going through the certification process, well worth it.

Certification Requirements

In order to be eligible for certification, the basic requirements are:

" The business must be at least 51 percent owned, controlled and actively managed by minority group members (Native American, Black, Hispanic, Asian- Indian, Asian-Pacific, Aleut, Eskimo, or Native Hawaiian)

" In business for at least one year

How long is my certification valid?

Recertification practices, as well as fees, vary according to the certifying agency. For example, the state of New Jersey requires recertification upon your one-year anniversary. However after that first recertification, your status is valid for five years provided you submit your supporting documentation by your anniversary date each year.

Certifying Agencies

Choosing a certifying agency should depend upon your type of business and the opportunities you want to seek. Your city and state government offices have certification processes, help and opportunities. There are a myriad of other agencies as well such as the NY/NJ Supplier Development Council (formerly known as the NY/NJ Purchasing Council). As per their website, "The Council strives to expand business opportunities for minority-owned suppliers by linking them with purchasers in the public and private sector. As an advocate for both its suppliers and corporate members, The Council fosters relationships between corporate decision makers and targeted minority suppliers." 
Are All Certifications Recognized By All Agencies And Companies Seeking M/WBEs?

With all these certifying agencies, you may want to know if all agencies and companies recognize all certifications. The short answer is not necessarily. You must check with the requesting agency or company.

For example, in New York there is an agreement between the NYC Department of Small Business Services and The NY/NJ Minority Supplier Development council called the New York City Fast Track Certification

As posted on their website, "The New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc. ("The Council") and the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) are now promoting "Fast Track certifications" that will enable Council-certified suppliers to increase their contracting opportunities in the public sector. The City and The Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in an effort to increase the certification of minority-owned businesses. Under the agreement, businesses certified by The Council as a Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE) will receive expedited approval of their certification applications with the City... Council-certified suppliers will have greater access to contracting opportunities, better preparation to compete for City contracts, and extra navigation in the public procurement process. "

This partnership is great news for a small business looking to expand its opportunities. Many such opportunities exist, but be sure to ask the certifying agency where the certification will be recognized and question the companies providing opportunities what certifications will be accepted. Be sure to do this before making a commitment to become certified with any agency as many fees, if required, are not refundable.

Getting Help

The process of applying for M/WBE Certification may be daunting for some. It may require more focus and time than you are able to spare, but don't give up. There is a tremendous amount of assistance available for you on both a free or fee basis. Each agency provides its own sources of assistance. In New York City at the official website, http://www.nyc.gov, you can find applications, help documents, email addresses and contact numbers for assistance. They also provide monthly training seminars where you can get help from trained certification specialists for free. 
To get help and information on M/WBE certification in your locale, begin with your city and state government. Check their websites or call for help. Your local libraries will be able to assist as well. The internet is a cornucopia of information. Use any of the various search engines such as Google (www.google.com) and Yahoo (www.yahoo.com). Changing the word phrases as you search, i.e. minority certification, mbe agencies, or minority business opportunities, will pull up different results giving you a wider array of information. 
There are also tremendous local organizations that are ready and willing to give you assistance. Begin with the Small Business Administration and their local arms known as SBDCs or Small Business Development Centers, often times located within the city colleges (http://www.sba.gov/localresources/index.html). Your local library is a tremendous resource as well.

There are times when all you need is someone to pull you through the process. An executive, administrative or virtual (remote) assistant can work wonders in this area, from researching the qualifying agencies and fees to helping you to complete each step of the application. Choose someone thorough and detailed because a detained application can cost you time, money and missed opportunity.

If you are qualified for certification and you don't get this done you've left money on the table, possibly thousands of dollars or more. Can you afford not to become M/WBE Certified?

Written by The Vteam, Kamau Austin, publisher (c) 2007.

About the Publisher of Minority Business Financing

Minority Business Financing is Published by Kamau Austin. Austin is a published author in the field of business financing. 

Also Kamau is a popular Blogger, Writer, and Internet Marketing Professional helping small businesses grow more profitable businesses online. If you need web design, blogging, search engine or social media promotion contact him at Search Engine Plan

Kamau's Qu!ps reaches over 30,000 web users a month through it's Blog and Social Media Promotions. For Advertising Opportunities visit our Advertising Page

Grow Your Business with a Line of Credit

If you think you can't get funding for your business, think again. Many small businesses need only small sums of money to get moving or continue operation for things like meeting payroll, upgrading a website or much needed technology.

Having a line of credit would be a perfect solution for these challenges. But very often when it comes to asking for help, small business owners count themselves out of the game before they even try. A line of credit could put you on the road to fluid cash and success sooner than you think.

What Is A Line Of Credit?

Small business credit line financing, also called an operating loan, provides a business with money to cover day-to-day expenses. As funds are used, the established credit line is reduced. Once approved, you can access your revolving line of credit with a quick phone call or provided checks.

Where To Find One

Did you know you could qualify for an SBA Express Loan line of credit through your local bank? The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers promising businesses that might not otherwise qualify for business loans the chance to get the money they need to make their business continue to succeed. The loans are obtained with no collateral and minimal paperwork. Within 36 hours, you will know if you qualify.

Real Results

Gayle Naftaly, owner of Access Office (www.accessoffice.net) wanted to grow her business support company by developing a new logo, website and marketing materials. She was surprised to find out how easy it was to receive a line of credit at her local bank. She says that a good credit score was all she needed, and after just a few days she had the money she needed. "Business has tripled in gross sales since then with more clients, bigger clients and I now have better cash flow" says Ms. Naftaly. 

What makes a line of credit great is that it stays with you. It is something you use on an as-needed basis. As Ms. Naftaly says, "If you can manage money, a line of credit will definitely help you grow your business. You use it, replenish it and use it again."

Getting Help

Did you know that there are organizations dedicated to helping you succeed and can help you to obtain a line of credit? And yet most business owners, mired in the day-to-day activities of running a business, are not even aware of their existence.

One such organization is ACCION. According to ACCION's New York branch, "ACCION New York contributes to the economic development of the New York metropolitan region by providing microloans and business advisory services to individuals and small businesses that do not have access to traditional sources of credit."

On their website, http://www.accionnewyork.org , you can read about their mission, success stories and get contact information. ACCION has offices in various US locations as well as worldwide.

How To Improve Your Credit Rating

If you cannot qualify for a line of credit due to poor credit history, there is hope. Begin with cleaning up your current credit. Negotiate rates and payment plans with each credit entity.

Soon you will receive offers for credit cards, possibly secured. Get one and always pay on time--always means always. Pay as much above the minimum as possible. 

Soon you will find your FICO score (standard measure of credit worthiness) rising and it won't be long before you can have access to an SBA Express Loan or line of credit.

Getting a line of credit should be an easy part of your business growth plan.

Written by The Vteam, Kamau Austin, publisher (c) 2007 - 2016.

About the Publisher of Minority Business Financing

Minority Business Financing is Published by Kamau Austin.  Kamau is a published author in the field of business finance.

Kamau is also a popular Blogger, Writer, and Internet Marketing Professional helping small businesses grow more profitable businesses online. If you need web design, blogging, search engine or social media promotion contact him at Search Engine Plan

Kamau's Qu!ps reaches over 30,000 web users a month through it's Blog and Social Media Promotions. For Advertising Opportunities visit our Advertising Page